Wireless Device Automatic Network Credential Provisioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication devices require manual reconfiguration with new Wi-Fi SSID and password changes, making it tedious to maintain connectivity with Wi-Fi access points.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where wireless communication devices use unique network credentials to connect to a dedicated network for obtaining updated credentials, allowing automatic reconnection to the original network after changes, by interacting with a validation server through a secondary network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration of Wi-Fi credentials is used, then initial network connection is established, but reconfiguration is required whenever SSID or password changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidmanual reconfiguration effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a connection to a provisioning network before the main network credential changes occur. This allows the device to automatically receive updated credentials in advance, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration when SSID or password changes happen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A provisioning network acts as an intermediary between the device and the main network infrastructure. This intermediate network facilitates automatic credential updates by serving as a communication channel through which updated network credentials can be transmitted to devices without requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If unique network credentials are provisioned to each device, then secure network access is achieved, but devices cannot connect when credentials are lost or changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure network accessVSAvoidcredential update capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the provisioning network for credential updates. When credential changes are detected, the system automatically retrieves and applies the new credentials, ensuring devices maintain secure access while adapting to credential changes without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The credential provisioning system transitions from a static model where credentials are set once and never changed to a dynamic model where credentials can be automatically updated. The device continuously checks for credential updates and dynamically adjusts its network credentials to maintain secure access to the main network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Extent of automation

If a dedicated provisioning network is implemented, then automatic credential updates are enabled, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic credential provisioningVSAvoidnetwork infrastructure requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The provisioning network is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. It serves multiple purposes including credential distribution, device authentication, and network management functions, thereby consolidating what could be separate complex systems into a single unified infrastructure that enables automatic credential updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11564092B2Methods and systems for automatically connecting to a network

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC

AI summary

A user device may connect to a wireless network despite the user device lacking the correct network credentials to access the wireless network. When the user device is unable to connect to a first network due to an incorrect network credential, the user device may automatically connect to a second network to obtain the correct network credentials associated with the first network. The network credentials associated with the first network may enable the user device to then connect and/or reconnect to the first network.